LVMH has officially revealed the 20 young fashion houses shortlisted for the semi-final of the 13th edition of the LVMH Prize for Young Fashion Designers, to be held on 4 and 5 March 2026 in Paris.
This year’s edition once again confirms the global reach and relevance of the Prize. More than 2,400 designers from around the world applied, making it one of the most competitive platforms for emerging fashion talent today. From this pool, 20 brands were selected, representing 17 different countries, including Georgia, Kenya, and Thailand for the first time.
The diversity of this shortlist reflects a broader shift in contemporary fashion. The selected designers span womenswear, menswear, and genderless collections, with a strong emphasis on craftsmanship, material research, and distinctive design languages rather than trend-driven output.
Delphine Arnault highlighted this point, noting that the collections range from contemporary elegance to bold experimentation, with savoir-faire and innovation at their core. She also welcomed the return of Kartik Research, a semi-finalist previously featured in the 2023 edition.
For the first time, the semi-final showroom will take place at La Samaritaine, an iconic Parisian landmark. During these two days, the designers will present their collections to the LVMH Prize Committee of Experts, made up of over 80 industry professionals. From this group, eight finalists will be selected.
In parallel, the public will once again play a role. From 4 to 8 March, fashion enthusiasts can discover the semi-finalists online and vote for their favourite brands via lvmhprize.com, alongside the expert jury.
The LVMH Prize continues to stand out not only for its visibility, but for the concrete support it offers. The main Prize includes a €400,000 endowment and a one-year bespoke mentorship. The Karl Lagerfeld Prize and the Savoir-Faire Prize each come with €200,000 and dedicated mentorship programmes, while three young fashion school graduates will also be recognised and supported through paid placements within LVMH maisons.
More than a competition, the LVMH Prize remains a cultural barometer. It highlights where fashion is heading, who is shaping it, and how craftsmanship, innovation, and global perspectives continue to redefine the future of the industry.
Watching the LVMH Prize each year is also a reminder of where I want to be. Not immediately, but in time. Platforms like this shape how I think about craftsmanship, identity, and long-term creative work. One day, I hope to participate in this ecosystem in my own way.
